Esprit Park

San Francisco, CA

Revitalize Urban Forest

In the 1980’s the Esprit Corporation purchased warehouse in the industrial Dogpatch neighborhood, next door to their factory. They worked with Landscape Architect Drew Detsch, to create a beautiful urban oasis which is now known as Esprit Park. The park is an two acre secluded open space, that serves as the neighborhood’s “community center” for gathering, recreation, and relaxation. The surrounding areas are becoming predominantly residential. The main design principle is to retain and reinforce the existing urban forest, and to provide a sinuous perimeter circulation system that stitches its varying spaces together. Many existing programs are maintained and enhanced. The new master plan honors the original design concept, while re-investing in facilities and amenities to make the park more resilient and service-able to a growing population. The main meadow area is expanded to provide more ‘usable’ and adaptable space. The design also includes many amenities and facilities that will serve priority needs at the site: passive observation of nature and picnicking; universal play, off-leash dog play; ample seating, lighting, and wayfinding. The design also ensures sustainable long-term maintenance, in part by selecting resilient surface materials, plants, and trees. In addition, the park will use native and habitat planting, making Esprit park a contemporary ‘nature’ park.